Archive - 12 March 2019

Hundreds surrender with Islamic State near defeat

Hundreds surrender with Islamic State near defeat

US-backed Syrian forces in Baghouz say the battle is as good as over.

Jakim receives 10,000 complaints on insults to Islam in under a week

Jakim receives 10,000 complaints on insults to Islam in under a week

Fuziah says every complaint made to the new monitoring unit will be studied to determine its validity.

Analyst: Removing race data from electoral roll won't lead to unity

Analyst: Removing race data from electoral roll won't lead to unity

UM's Awang Azman thinks the move would be seen as Harapan's attempt to erode Malay rights.

Will the flying car take off or remain pie in the sky?

Will the flying car take off or remain pie in the sky?

COMMENT | M'sians have always been sceptical of technological advancements.

M'sia becomes the latest to suspend Boeing 737 MAX 8 flights

M'sia becomes the latest to suspend Boeing 737 MAX 8 flights

UPDATED 9PM | CAAM chief says all operations involving the plane will be suspended with immediate effect.

T'ganu Amanah joins chorus condemning LGBT at Women's March

T'ganu Amanah joins chorus condemning LGBT at Women's March

Raja Bahrin wants stern action taken against organisers of the demonstration.

Court drops trespassing charge against Red Shirts leader Jamal

Court drops trespassing charge against Red Shirts leader Jamal

DPP informs Magistrates' Court that subpoenas could not be served on witnesses in the case.

Johor Health Dept: No deaths or red alert over toxic spill

Johor Health Dept: No deaths or red alert over toxic spill

UPDATED 11.50PM | Neither of the circulating claims are true, says department director Dr Selahuddeen Abd Aziz.

Privatisation not best solution to trim civil service, Najib tells PM

Privatisation not best solution to trim civil service, Najib tells PM

He cites the example of MAS as to why it may not always be the right avenue.

Cops to probe assault claim of teen accused of Cradle CEO murder

Cops to probe assault claim of teen accused of Cradle CEO murder

The 16-year-old is alleged to have been physically and sexually assaulted while in detention.

Penang reaches settlement with evicted Tmn Manggis residents

Penang reaches settlement with evicted Tmn Manggis residents

This brings an end to the families' six-day sit-in protest at the Komtar building.

Najib: Wrong move to sell MAS

Najib: Wrong move to sell MAS

'You cannot replace our national pride with something else,' says former PM.

Pupils felt ill after wind blew towards school, says headmaster

Pupils felt ill after wind blew towards school, says headmaster

SK Tanjung Puteri Resort pupils had complained of breathing difficulties, nausea and vomiting this morning.

Rais warns 'Malay anger' could hand Harapan third consecutive defeat

Rais warns 'Malay anger' could hand Harapan third consecutive defeat

Predicting a 50-50 contest in Rantau, the Bersatu strategist calls on Harapan to deliver its promises.

Putrajaya to draft new ‘inclusive’ economic policy for Malays

Putrajaya to draft new ‘inclusive’ economic policy for Malays

The move will help community deal with current financial climate and Industrial Revolution 4.0, says Azmin Ali.

All RM30b from Petronas will be used for tax refunds

All RM30b from Petronas will be used for tax refunds

PARLIAMENT | Deputy finance minister dismisses suggestions that Petronas paid more than needed.
Dr M: Streram’s not bankrupt, he is free to run

Dr M: Streram’s not bankrupt, he is free to run

Unpaid debts won’t hinder candidacy of PKR man who was ‘defeated through cheating’, says PM.
We must build the bridges

We must build the bridges

LETTER | People are resourceful and if we put our minds to it, we will find many ways to build all forms of bridges. 

58 reports filed over 'war declaration', cops may quiz Guan Eng

58 reports filed over 'war declaration', cops may quiz Guan Eng

IGP Mohamad Fuzi Harun denies police are dragging their feet on the matter.

Saifuddin takes aim at S'pore's 'below the belt' remarks on water deal

Saifuddin takes aim at S'pore's 'below the belt' remarks on water deal

PARLIAMENT | Foreign minister points out that talks to review the 1962 agreement are underway.

'Far-reaching' effects if Najib's lawyers given wider access to docs

'Far-reaching' effects if Najib's lawyers given wider access to docs

Such an order could affect the way criminal proceedings are conducted in M'sia, says prosecution. 

Gov't keen to dive into Scorpene case, says Chin Tong

Gov't keen to dive into Scorpene case, says Chin Tong

In meeting with Scorpene lawyers, he says M'sia wants to offer assistance to the French court cases.

Streram rubbishes 'seeking donation' message for Rantau polls

Streram rubbishes 'seeking donation' message for Rantau polls

'There are irresponsible quarters who deliberately want to tarnish my name,' says Harapan candidate.  
Online voter registration soon, says EC chief

Online voter registration soon, says EC chief

The commission is also considering electronic voting, adds Azhar Azizan Harun.

Hat-trick of bailouts failed to see MAS soar, notes Plus boss

Hat-trick of bailouts failed to see MAS soar, notes Plus boss

He urges the government to listen to the increasing calls for the national flag carrier to be shut down.

Tax rich more to make taxation system more progressive, KJ tells gov't

Tax rich more to make taxation system more progressive, KJ tells gov't

Rembau MP says fairer tax system needed in order to address income inequality. 

Azmin hopes for speedy tabling of Felda White Paper

Azmin hopes for speedy tabling of Felda White Paper

Possibly after the debate on Agong's speech, says economic affairs minister.

In pursuit of truth, Hisham still keen on tracking down Jho Low

In pursuit of truth, Hisham still keen on tracking down Jho Low

The former defence minister says he will deal with the IGP about any lead he has.

Shafee's 'pet dog' stalls Najib's hearing, AG rues delay

Shafee's 'pet dog' stalls Najib's hearing, AG rues delay

UPDATED 3.33PM | 'The whole country, everybody, wants the trial to start tomorrow if possible,' says Tommy Thomas.

Sg Ichat not responsible for water pollution

Sg Ichat not responsible for water pollution

LETTER |  The river that provides water to the Kuala Terla water treatment plant is Sungai Terla.

KJ: Umno-PAS need more than race, religion in Rantau

KJ: Umno-PAS need more than race, religion in Rantau

Khairy Jamaluddin reminds Umno and PAS that Malaysia is a multi-ethnic country.

Deputy minister hints at review of PAA's 10-day notice for rallies

Deputy minister hints at review of PAA's 10-day notice for rallies

However, Azis Jamman declines to reveal details of the proposed amendments.

Educate not incarcerate

Educate not incarcerate

LETTER | Punishment should weigh towards being rehabilitative, rather than punitive.

For how many years will polluters be put in jail?

For how many years will polluters be put in jail?

LETTER | Sad to say, not only have I seen no improvement since Pakatan Harapan took over the federal government.
Gov’t bound by court processes in 1MDB, SRC trial delays - Dr M

Gov’t bound by court processes in 1MDB, SRC trial delays - Dr M

PARLIAMENT | It is also being hampered by the previous government, he says.

KJ questions Petronas payment amid 'unverified' GST claims

KJ questions Petronas payment amid 'unverified' GST claims

Rembau MP asks why gov't requires Petronas' RM54b dividend when a number of GST claims are allegedly unverified.

Asian markets rally in 2019, but not Malaysia

Asian markets rally in 2019, but not Malaysia

Malaysia’s exchange only one falling in Asia as investors await corruption clampdown and reduced budget deficit.

New anti-graft measures will restore M'sia's integrity - PM

New anti-graft measures will restore M'sia's integrity - PM

PARLIAMENT | Dr M lists out new measures to help country shed its kleptocracy image.

Gov't to consider shutting down MAS among other options: PM

Gov't to consider shutting down MAS among other options: PM

UPDATED 3.56PM | Other options include selling it off or refinancing it, he says.

EC can't fix gerrymandering now unless gov't can change constitution

EC can't fix gerrymandering now unless gov't can change constitution

The constitution stipulates a redelineation of constituencies can only be held once in every eight years.
The LGBT issue is global

The LGBT issue is global

LETTER | A government in power walks a thin plank in Malaysia.
Dr M says unaware of Indonesia's lobby to release Siti Aisyah

Dr M says unaware of Indonesia's lobby to release Siti Aisyah

The prime minister says the decision to release her was made by the courts.
The king’s timely address to all Malaysians

The king’s timely address to all Malaysians

LETTER | Sultan Abdullah's address was the perfect antidote to attempts to sow discord among M'sians.

Cradle CEO's widow, two teens plead not guilty to his murder

Cradle CEO's widow, two teens plead not guilty to his murder

UPDATED 5.22PM | They claimed trial to the charge of murdering Nazrin Hassan.

Gobind: Not about curtailing free speech, but encouraging responsible use

Gobind: Not about curtailing free speech, but encouraging responsible use

Freedom, he says, should not be to the extent that it violates the law and causes unrest.

A critique of Cent-GPS' racial discrimination study

A critique of Cent-GPS' racial discrimination study

COMMENT | Two academics who penned famous paper in 2012 on racial discrimination in recruitment scrutinise Cent-GPS' methods.
Harapan commits more electoral offences as it is gov't, says EC chief

Harapan commits more electoral offences as it is gov't, says EC chief

Azhar Azizan Harun says there are offences the ruling coalition can commit which others can't.

US to mandate design changes on Boeing 737 MAX 8 after crashes

US to mandate design changes on Boeing 737 MAX 8 after crashes

The plane is nonetheless airworthy and does not need to be grounded, says US aviation authority.

The quiet power of Mat Hasan

The quiet power of Mat Hasan

COMMENT | As acting president, Mat Hasan has orchestrated successes when many imagined the Umno struggle to be a hopeless cause.

Last chance? Theresa May wins Brexit assurances from EU on eve of crucial vote

Last chance? Theresa May wins Brexit assurances from EU on eve of crucial vote

May has promised lawmakers a vote on her deal on Tuesday. 
Cops nab Facebook user for insulting Hindus - IGP

Cops nab Facebook user for insulting Hindus - IGP

This comes amid police crackdown on social media users posting racially provocative statements online.

US says 737 MAX safe to fly after Ethiopia crash; Boeing shares dip

US says 737 MAX safe to fly after Ethiopia crash; Boeing shares dip

China and Indonesia grounded their fleets of 737 MAX 8 aircraft on Monday.
Downsizing allows talents new opportunities, says Penang Invest

Downsizing allows talents new opportunities, says Penang Invest

Slower global economic growth, slower demand among causes of the downsizing of firms, it adds.

A death blow to religious discussions

A death blow to religious discussions

COMMENT | The fact is all religions insult, offend and undermine one another.
Kulasegaran brushes off allegation of installing cronies in HRDF

Kulasegaran brushes off allegation of installing cronies in HRDF

Defending recent selections to the board, he says the appointees are trustworthy former corporate titans.

Yoursay: Racism in the private sector? Fix it by ratifying Icerd

Yoursay: Racism in the private sector? Fix it by ratifying Icerd

YOURSAY | ‘Expect racial discrimination to foster as we even refuse to ratify Icerd.’
Police confirm report on video advocating splashing acid on Mujahid

Police confirm report on video advocating splashing acid on Mujahid

Report lodged by the office of the minister in the Prime Minister’s Department and a Putrajaya police officer.

Yoursay: But Hadi, Muslims/Malays have never lost power

Yoursay: But Hadi, Muslims/Malays have never lost power

YOURSAY | Why is it absolutely necessary for the country to be run by Muslims alone?
Three detained for suspected dumping of chemical waste into river

Three detained for suspected dumping of chemical waste into river

Two of them are factory owners, with one being the owner of a chemical processing plant.

Second wave of chemical pollution pushes up victims to 207

Second wave of chemical pollution pushes up victims to 207

The result of last Thursday’s dumping of toxic waste into the Sungai Kim Kim in Johor.

Reflecting on Women’s Day and the meaning of sisterhood

Reflecting on Women’s Day and the meaning of sisterhood

COMMENT | 'With friends and acquaintances wishing me 'Happy Women's Day', I wondered - what are we actually celebrating?'

I love frog legs, but loathe two-legged frogs

I love frog legs, but loathe two-legged frogs

COMMENT | The objectives of political frogs are very ‘noble’ and ‘honourable’ – all in the name of caring for the people and wanting to serve them better.

Streram's second stab at Rantau, and 9 other things that happened yesterday

Streram's second stab at Rantau, and 9 other things that happened yesterday

KINI ROUNDUP | Key headlines you may have missed yesterday, in brief.